Nancy Argo has been the Volunteer Coordinator at St. Mary’s Hospital for more than 14 years, traveling between all of the system’s hospitals to ensure auxiliaries are running smoothly. Argo is known by her peers for leading by example and being the ultimate team player. Her dedication not only to St. Mary’s, but to the Georgia Hospital Association Council on Auxiliaries/Volunteers has earned her 2017 Volunteer Services Director of the Year.

"Nancy is highly deserving of this honor," said Jeff English, St. Mary's Vice President Human Resources and Support Services and President of St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital. "She gives countless hours to support our auxiliaries and their functions at all three of our hospitals. In everything she does, Nancy is a great ambassador for St. Mary's in the communities we serve."

Argo was presented with the honor during the council’s 58th Annual Conference held Oct. 16-18 at the Augusta Marriott Convention Center. Her nomination was chosen after a panel of three out-of-state judges considered the following criteria:

• In what ways does the nominee encourage communications and teamwork within the

  auxiliary and hospital?

• In what ways does the nominee make the auxiliary aware of hospital goals and

  keep them abreast of the changes?

• In what ways does the nominee make themselves accessible to the auxiliary?

• In what ways does the nominee support the auxiliary and its goals and encourage

  the auxiliary governing board to administer the organization?

• In what ways does the nominee prove to be a leader and motivator and have

  shown adaptability to change?

“Nancy’s ability to lead by example has created within our auxiliary a sense of trust, integrity in what we do, and a friendship that is both warm and welcome,” said St. Mary’s Health Care System Auxiliary President Betty Davenport, who nominated Argo for the award. “She responds quickly to all queries from volunteers, offers sound advice when asked, and is supportive of all our endeavors.’ 

One of Argo’s recent contributions involved the St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary Veterans’ Commemorative Garden, newly erected on campus. The Auxiliary conducted a major fundraising project to acquire a monument, install benches and landscaping, and hold a dedication service.

“Nancy Argo is, above all else, a team player," added Davenport.  "She is ever-supportive, proficient at knowing when to take the lead but also, importantly, knows intuitively when to step back and allow the auxiliary board to come to their own conclusions concerning auxiliary business. In sum, the relationship between Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Argo and the auxiliary is one of respect, friendship, and the mutual desire to make St. Mary’s Hospital a place of warmth, caring, and service to the community of Athens, Ga.”